The group 1% for the Planet, in partnership with the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust, is tackling the effects of climate change at the regional level in six New England states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Headed by Barbara Friedsam, 1% for the Planet's New England Network Director, the initiative is working to expand business support even beyond the $1 million donated to date by the New England chapter’s more than 80 companies (including The Skinny Pancake and Spindrift Soda). These companies, which pledge to donate at least 1% of their revenue, in turn support the environmental efforts of more than 200 approved non-profits, notably the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Conservation Law Foundation, and Clean Air-Cool Planet.

Friedsam commented: "Through this effort, 1% for the Planethopes to activate the New England community in visible, impactful and clever ways to move the needle on changing hearts, minds and behaviors toward our relationship with the environment. New England businesses can lead the way toward innovative solutions through membership."

But 1% for the Planet is about more than just New England forests. The organization's members include 1,300 businesses worldwide, and it's been involved in a wide array of efforts to draw more attention to environmental problems. In the past, the organization has put together a music outreach project and a brief video explaining its commitment to the environment. Other initiatives include video profiles of member businesses, an effort which has resulted in $50 million dollars earmarked for the Earth since 2002.

In an era where it can be easy to think that business is the problem when it comes to the environment, 1% for the Planet is showing how businesses can also be the solution.